Zo World, the parent company behind Zostel, has announced a major leadership transition as part of its strategic vision for the future. (R to L) Co-founder and CEO Dharamveer Singh Chouhan will assume the role of chairman, while Aviral Gupta, the company’s first employee and a long-time leader, has been appointed chief executive officer.

According to the company, this change signals the formal beginning of Zo World’s next phase — an expansive, AI-powered, community-driven ecosystem that unites travel, hospitality, and digital experiences under one borderless brand. Zo World aims to develop the "travel operating system" for humanity’s collective future.

“Zo World is not just a company; it’s an invitation to a planet where everyone can explore fearlessly. Powered by community, rooted in the Indian ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ and scaled by cutting-edge tech, we’re building the trip partner for humanity’s journey of self-discovery. Aviral embodies the soul of this vision, he’s lived every step of our journey. As chairman, I now focus on building Zo as a generational movement, unifying our ecosystem globally, and enabling thousands of creators and founders to bring this vision to life,” said Dharamveer Singh Chouhan.

A decade-long veteran at Zostel, Aviral Gupta joined as the company’s first employee and has held multiple leadership roles — from overseeing hostel operations to driving strategy and technology. Most recently, he delivered a 400 percent year-on-year growth in Zo Trips while doubling Zostel’s EBITDA.

“Zo is more than a brand, it’s a belief system. As we scale into a borderless, tech-powered future, our focus is on crafting experiences where every trip becomes personal, every stay meaningful, and every traveller part of something larger than themselves. We are building Zo not just as a travel brand, but as a lifestyle and cultural identity for the next generation,” said Aviral Gupta.

This leadership evolution reinforces Zo World’s ambition to redefine travel by merging technology, community engagement, and hospitality into a single, transformative ecosystem.

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited (LTH) has announced a strategic leadership reshuffle effective October 1, 2025, subject to shareholder approval. The changes are part of the company’s succession planning to ensure leadership continuity and robust governance.

Patanjali Govind Keswani will continue as executive chairman of LTH and chair of the board of directors, focusing on ensuring a smooth operational handover to the new MD & CEO, accelerating expansion through an asset-light growth strategy, and providing long-term strategic oversight. Keswani will also retain his role as executive chairman of Fleur Hotels Limited (a material subsidiary), guiding its expansion plans with disciplined capital allocation and high-level governance.

At LTH, Neelendra Singh has been appointed as managing director, responsible for day-to-day operations and all business functions. With 26 years of experience, Singh’s career includes senior leadership roles at Adidas in India, South Korea, and Germany.

Kapil Sharma, a seasoned Chartered Accountant with over 30 years of financial expertise, has been elevated to executive director & chief financial officer. Sharma has been with the Lemon Tree Group since 2004, playing a pivotal role in M&A activities, capital market transactions, and strategic financial management.

Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, who joined as president in June 2025, will oversee operations, HR, and revenue management. Cheema brings 28 years of hospitality experience from leading brands such as IHG Hotels & Resorts, Oberoi Hotels, Radisson Group, Marriott International, and Carnival UK.

At Fleur Hotels Limited, Saurabh Shatdal will take charge as managing director & CEO, overseeing all operational and business functions. Shatdal’s 27-year career spans capital markets, land acquisitions, and hospitality operations, most recently as MD - Capital Markets & Land and India Head-Retail at Cushman & Wakefield.

Mayank Sharma has been appointed as chief financial officer at Fleur Hotels, bringing over 15 years of expertise in financial management, consultancy, and industry roles.

Sanjiv Jain joins as vice president – projects & engineering, responsible for hotel design, development, and renovation. Jain has 33 years of experience, with previous roles at NBCC Limited and Bloom Hotels.

The company stated that these appointments reflect its commitment to strengthening leadership depth while preparing for the next phase of growth in India’s competitive hospitality sector.

Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall has named Suresh Reddy as its new revenue manager, bringing on board over 14 years of experience with leading hospitality brands in India and abroad. Known for his analytical approach and sharp pricing intelligence, Reddy will oversee revenue strategy, forecasting, and distribution, working closely with sales and marketing to strengthen the hotel’s market position.

Before joining Grand Mercure, Reddy held key roles at properties including Radisson Blu Resort Maldives, Radisson Blu Paschim Vihar in New Delhi, and Radisson Blu Atria in Bengaluru. At the Maldives property, he effectively leveraged advanced forecasting tools and market analytics to fine-tune rate strategies and drive revenue growth.

An alumnus of IIT Roorkee, Reddy combines his expertise in data science and machine learning with practical industry knowledge. His proficiency in platforms such as IDeaS G3, OTA Insight, Power BI, and Tableau equips him to make quick, market-responsive decisions that foster long-term profitability.

Speaking about his appointment, Reddy said, “This is a major milestone in my career. I’m eager to harness data intelligence to fine-tune our revenue strategies, enhance our market presence, and contribute to the hotel’s ongoing success.”

Welcoming him to the leadership team, Ram Shetty, general manager of Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall, shared, “Suresh's expertise and innovative approach make him a fantastic addition to our leadership team. His experience in revenue optimization and collaborative leadership aligns seamlessly with our dedication to operational excellence and guest satisfaction.”

With his data-driven mindset and strong industry background, Reddy is set to lead the hotel’s revenue strategy towards sustained growth and improved performance.